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Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One
of
the best ways to control your vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some
things to keep
in
mind. At higher speeds:
you approach things faster and
you
have less time
to
scan the terrain for
obstacles.
you have less time to react.
you
have more vehicle bounce when you drive over obstacles.
you’ll need more distance for braking, especially since you’re
on
an
unpaved surface.
Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds of terrain. You
need to be familiar with the terrain and its many different features. Here are
some things to consider.
Surface
Cunditiuns.
Off-roading can take you over hard-packed dirt,
gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice. Each
of
these surfaces affects
the steering, acceleration, and braking of your vehicle in different ways.
Depending upon the kind
of
surface you are on, you may experience
slipping, sliding,
wheel
spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction, and
longer braking distances.
Surface Obstacles
.
Unseen
or
hidden obstacles can be hazardous.
A
rock,
log,
hole,
rut, or bump can startle you
if
you’re not prepared for them. Often
these obstacles are hidden by grass, bushes, snow or even the rise and fall
of
the terrain
itself.
Here are some things to consider:
Is
the
path ahead clear?
Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? (There’s more discussion
of these subjects later.)
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Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction quickly?
When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a firm grip
on
the
steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other surface features can jerk the wheel
out
of
your hands
if
you’re not prepared.
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